EFFECT OF CARAWAY SEEDS SIEVING (CARUM CARVI L.) AS FEED ADDITIVES FOR REX RABBITS ON: 1. GROWTH PERFORMANCE, FEED DIGESTIBILITY, BLOOD PARAMETERS AND CAECUM ACTIVITY

This study aimed to investigate the effect of inclusion of caraway seeds sieving (CSS) as feed additives at different levels in rabbits’ rations. The experiment was carried out at privet farm in Giza, Egypt. Thirty-six unsexed Rex rabbits breed aged 5-6 weeks with average weight of 687.25±2.75g were randomly assigned into four equal groups, (9 rabbits each) in 3 replicates and housed in galvanized wire cages (30 x 35 x 40 cm). The experimental rabbits’ groups received one of the tested rations. The feeding period was extended for 56 days throughout the summer season of year 2018. The experimental rations were classified as the following: First group was fed the basal ration (R1) served as a control group, meanwhile, the other three experimental groups were received rations supplemented with 2, 4 and 6% of CSS for (R 2, R3, and R4), respectively. The results showed that, chemical composition of the experimental rations was similar in their contents of CP that ranged from 20.35 to 21.40% and differed in their contents of gross energy that ranged from 4190 to 4308 kcal/ kg DM. Incorporation of CSS in the rations increasing ether extract content of tested rations comparing to control, meanwhile it decreased the contents of crude fiber and cell-wall constituents. Rabbits received 4% CSS containing ration recorded the highest (P>0.05) digestion coefficient values of (OM, CP, CF, NFE, NDF, ADF and cellulose) and nutritive values (TDN, DCP and DE). Dietary rations had no significant effect (P>0.05) on blood serum total protein; albumin; globulin; albumin: globulin ratio; total lipids; triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase, LDH and HDL. Also, serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (GOT) and Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (GPT) activities were not affected by CSS. Serum concentration of creatinine (mg/dl) was significantly higher than control. Means of pH, NH3-N and TVFA's in caecum was no affected by levels of CSS. Rations of (CSS) significant increase of final live body weight (FLBW), total body weight gain (TBWG) and average daily gain (ADG) comparing to control. ADG ranged 19.32 to 31.27 gm, respectively among the four groups. The best value of ADG was recorded by rabbits received 4% CSS containing ration. Also, feed conversion that expressed as (g feed intake of DM, CP, DCP and TDN/ g gain) and digestible energy (kcal/ g. gain) was improved. Net revenue and relative economic efficiency were increased, meanwhile, feed cost/ kg live body weight gain was decreased. It could be mentioned that incorporation 4% caraway seeds sieving in rabbit rations realized the best results in terms of growth performance with a positive effect on digestion coefficients and occurred high net revenue.